Directional antenna system



Aug El, E942. M. P. MIMS nIREcT1oNAL'g-ANTENNA jsYsTEM s sneetssheet 1 Filed Au@ s, 1940 3mm/bolo MRMBMS n, 1942;A M Pgmmg 2,292,791 f DIRECTIONAL .ANTENNA sys TEM Aug. M, M. P. Mums DIRECTIONAL ANTENNA' SYSTEM Filed Aug. 3, 1940 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 tenfe'd Aug. n, i942 STATS PATENT GFFICE 16 Claims.

['his invention relates to directional antenna :tems primarily for ultra high frequency opltion for use with both transmitting and reving sets. Dne of the objects of the invention is to prole improvements in directional antenna, for )rt wave length operation comprising the v ree-element antenna including a radiator elefnt interposed in a proper relation between `ectional and reflector elements. lmother object of the invention is to .provide :h directional antenna for short wave length :luding a pair of such three antenna elements lividually operable on diierent wave lengths, d so positioned with respect to each other that a operation of one antenna set,will be influ- :ed to a minimum degree by the other set sup- :ted on the same mounting, whereby two anlna sets having different xed wave lengths ;h respect to each other may be mounted on a same supporting tower, and thus arranged, o conserve space. inother object of the invention is to improve i mounting means for directional antenna sysns and the control means for rotating the ang ma on the mounting tower. another object of the invention is to provide 'otary inductive antenna coupling in mutually luctive coupled relation with .the rotaryanma. '-inother object of the invention is to provide conjunction with the stationary inductive coung element of the antenna system impedance ttching means directly connected in close proxlty to the coupling element. Another object of the invention is to provide emote control means for rotating the antenna its support and in conjunction therewith an iicator for indicating the direction of the anlna. iurther objects, details, and advances of this ra high frequency antenna system will be set th in the following speciiication and claimed reinafter. [n the accompanying drawings forming a part 45 this specification wherein like characters of erences denote similar parts throughout the' 'eral views: .v Fig. 1 is a vertical side elevation of antennas the top of the supporting tower with parts 50 :ken away to illustrate details of the mountg and connections; Eig. 2 is a general diagrammatic plan view isti-ating the mounting of two sets of antenna ments having different iixed wave lengths with 55 respect to each other and so mounted on a single supporting tower as to reduce interference to a minimum;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view showing the stationary supporting structure and stationary inductive coupling elements for the two sets of antennas of different wavelengths as illustrated in Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic View showing the wiring connections for the two antennas and the control of antenna and direction indicating means.

In general the antenna system in accordance with the invention comprises a plurality of antenna elements A and B preferably horizontally supported on the upper end of a tower T, as shown in Fig. 2. These antenna elements A and B are primarily intended for ultra high frequency transmission and reception of radio signals and their lengths of course correspond with the wave lengths which operate the sets most eniciently. 0f course, by lengthening the antenna elements, within practical limits, antennas may be adapted for lower frequency operation.

It will be noted that except for the fact that antenna elements A and B are different lengths their construction is substantially the same; each comprises pairs of oppositely extending longi- ,tudinal members suitably mounted above a cross frame C, which is rigidly secured to a rotatable supporting standard D, as best shown in Fig. 1.

With respect to antenna set A the intermediate longitudinally extending' elements comprise the radiator. The adjacent inner ends of these elements are connected to secondary bus conductors A1 which in turn are connected with a secondary inductive coupling ring A2.

As also shown inFig. 1, these rod elements are so mounted on their supports that they may be adjusted for positive operation at the proper wave length. The outer pairs of longitudinal antenna elements A, mounted in a. similar manner, on opposite ends of the frame C, comprise the direction and reflector elements of the threeelement antenna and the adjacent ends of each of the outer pairs of elements are similarly con-l nected with adjusting straps S' of suitable construction; straps S' for the radiator elements, if any are used, of course would be of non-conductive material.

It will be noted that thel elements A, illustrated at the upper side of the drawings, Fig. 2, comprise the director element and this director element is somewhat closer to the elements comprising the radiator in the intermediate position than the elements A, at the lower end of frame C, in Fig. 2, which comprise the reiector.`

The longitudinally extending elements B, are mounted lion a supporting frame C, in the same manner in which the elements A are mounted as just described and the reflecting and directing elements are mounted in a similar manner with respect to the intermediate radiator element, but in the reverse order with respect to the order of the antenna elements A, which is believed to substantially prevent or minimize interference between the two sets of antenna elements A and B.

The adjacent ends of radiator antenna elements B are similarly connected by secondary bus conductors B1 with a secondary inductive coupling rin'g B2 which is similar to the connections of radiator antenna elements A, with its secondary conductor ring,v but these rings are of different sizes as will be apparent.

Cooperating with the rings A2 and B2 which rotate with the antennas are spaced stationary primary inductive coupling rings Ap and BP.

conductors L, leading to the transmitting or receiving sets in the operating room as will be set forth hereinafter.

An important feature in the present invention resides in the provision of impedance matching elements Az and Bz connected with the primary bus conductors of each of the primary rings in close proximity to the rings. These elements AA and Bz are condensers movable along the respective bus conductors as indicated by the double arrows in Fig. 1, for adjustment purposes, whereby primary frequencies of the antenna systems may be xed with precision.

As referred to heretofore the antenna elements are rigidly mounted on the standard D, and this standard is provided with a vertical shaft E, suitably journaled in the casing element F, secured to a rigid base G, fastened to the top of the tower T. Mounted on shaft E, is a gear H, which engages a worm J, which is also mounted in housing F, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, and this worm is adapted to be driven in either direction by reversible motor operating means M.

As best shown in Fig. 4, the motor operating means M, may comprise a pair of motors MR and ML for purposes of illustration, which may be driven in opposite directions with respect to each other and are connected through a gear train K, with the driving worm J.

'I'he gear K1 on the shaft of worm J is provided with an abutment element K2 which is cyclicly operable to close a switch K3 for operating an indicator as will be referred to hereinafter.

The operating motors are also provided with a brake N, having an electromagnetic releasing element Nl operable to release the brake whenever the motor operates in either direction and to bind the shaft against rotation during the periods when the motors are inoperative so as to positively maintain the antennas in a direction to which they have been operated.

For convenience, the motor operating means M, and indicator R, may be 110 volts 60 cycle equipment and the power supply therefore is indicated by the line I IUV and ground S. The right side of the power line IIIIV is connected to switches NS, Ms, and R.s for controlling respectively the brake N, motor operating means M comprising motors ML and MR, and the indicator R. The blades of these switches are mechanically connected by aswitch arm S* denoted by dotted lines, whereby they may be moved as a unit to engage either one of their sets of contacts or to neutral position as shown, although as referred to hereinafter a switch RB may be disengaged from the arm so as to be operated independently as will be described.

In operation, it will be noted that when the brake switch NS engages either of its contacts a circuit is completed from the conductor IIIIV through switch NS, conductor I0, electromagnetic operator N1 of brake N, and conductor II to ground S, thus energizing the operator to release the brake.

Simultaneously with the operation of the switch Ns for energization ofthe brake releasing solenoid, one or theI other motor elements ML or MR is energized. When the switch arm vSEL is thrown to the left set of contacts the circuit through switch Ms will be from conductor IIllV through switch MS, conductor I2, motor ML, conductor I3, to conductor II and ground S, whereby the drive of the antenna shaft E, and antennas A and B will be a slow rotation to the left. When the switch arms are thrown to the right circuit through switch Ms from conductor I IIlV, through switch MS, conductor I4, motor MR, conductor I3, conductor II, to ground S, for effecting the rotation of the antenna shaft E and antennas A and B to the right.

During such rotation of the antenna shaft and antennas the gear K1 of gear train K is rotated so that its abutment K2 operates to close switch K3 intermittently as heretofore mentioned. This intermittent closing of switch K3 is employed for operating motors RL and RR of indicator R, step by step movements.

When the switch arm S of the switches is thrown to the left the circuit through switch Rs is from conductor IIOV through switch RS, conductor I5, indicator motor R1, conductor I6, through switch K3 as it is intermittently closed, to conductor II and ground S. This effects an operation of indicator R in step by step movements so as to follow and indicate the direction to which the antennas are moved in such left turning movements.

Similarly when the switch arm Sa is moved to the right the circuit through switch Rs is from conductor IIDV, through switch RS, conductor I1, indicator motor RR, conductor IG, intermittently operating switch K3, conductor II, to ground S so as to effect intermittent step by step movements of the indicator to the right and to thereby follow the reverse movement of the antennas.

Indicator R is obviously calibrated to indicate degrees corresponding to the direction of movement of antenna A, that is points of the compass, and it may have in addition a map so as to point directly to the localities with which communication is desired.

In order to shift the indicator with respect to the antenna direction which may be required in setting up the instrument or to adjust it, subsequently, it is desirable to be able to operate the indicator independently of the' motor driving means M. In such cases the provision is made for operating switch R-`s independently of the other switches or a` separate duplicate switch can be provided which can be so operated, and likewise the switch K3 may be shunted by a switch oK4 so that the impulses may be given to either indicator motor RR or RL by operation of the arm Aof switch Rs as desired. Optionally Iswitch R*a may be maintained to an open position and the antenna rotated until the antenna corresponds with the position of the indicator.

Reference has been made to the lead conductors L, from the radio sets in the operating room to the antennas A or B. These lead conductors L, are connected to blades of a double pole double throw switch W, which has an electromagnetic operator W1 for connecting the leads L, to either the antenna A or B as desired. Conductors W2 extend from switch W, which is positioned adjacent the primary bus conductors Al and B1 to a pole changing switch V ln the operating room which may be manually operated to connect the electromagnetic operating means W1 with a D. C. source fr, as desired whereby the antenna connections may be changed as required.

It might be added that the indicator R, may be of any desired type, for example, an adding and subtracting ratchet assembly controlled respecl tively by the motor elements RR and RL which structure is not specifically claimed in this application.

It is to be expressly understood that the herein disclosed embodiment of the invention is by way of example and is subject to such changes and alterations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as announced by the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A directional transmitting-receiving antenna comprising a support, a horizontally disposed multiple element antenna including a radiator element rotatably mounted on said support, means for selectively rotating said antenna in opposite directions to selected positions, means normally acting to prevent rotation of the antenna, means for releasing said last named means upon actuation of said antenna rotating means, an inductive coupling comprising a xed conductor element mountedon said rotating means and a movable conductor element rotatable with said antenna spaced from said xed conductor element and connected to said radiator element and lead conductors connected to said xed conductor element. l

2. A directional transmitting-receiving antenna comprising a support, a horizontally disposed multiple element antenna rotatably mounted on said support, means for selectively rotating said antenna in opposite directions to selected positions, an inductive coupling comprising a fixed conductor element mounted on said rotating means anda movable conductor element rotatable with said antenna, spaced from said Xed conductor element and lead conductors connected to said xed conductor element, and an impedance matching condenser adjustably connected to said xed conductor element.

3. A directional transmitting-receiving antenna comprising a support, a horizontally disposed multiple element antenna rotatably mounted on said support, means for selectively rotating said antenna in opposite directions to selected positions, means normally acting to prevent rotation of the antenna, means :for releasing said last named means upon actuation of said antenna rotating means, an electrically inductive ring conductor member connected to and movable with said antenna, a similar ring member stationarily mounted below said inductive ring member and lead conductors connected to said last named ring member.

4. A directional transmitting-receiving antenna comprising a support, a horizontally disposed multiple element antenna rotatably mounted on said support, means for selectively rotating said antenna in opposite directions to selected positions, an electrically inductive ring conductor member connected to and movable with said antenna, an open-ended ring member stationarily mounted below said inductive ring member, bus bars connected to the ends of said open-ended ring member, and condenser means adjustably mounted on said bus bars for matching the impedance of said ring members.

5. A directional transmitting-receiving antenna comprising asupport, a horizontally disposed multiple element antenna rotatably mounted on said support, means for selectively rotating said antenna in opposite directions to selected positions, an electrically inductive ring conductor member connected to and movable with said antenna, a similar tubular ring member stationarily mounted below said inductive ring member and lead conductors connected to said last named ring member, and condenser means adjustably interposed between the conductor connections and the stationary ring members for variably controlling the geometric mean impedance between the lead conductors and the multiple element antenna at the desired frequency.

6. A directional transmitting-receiving antenna comprising a rotatable support, a plurality of rod-like antenna members horizontally mounted on said support, said members being arranged in pairs providing oppositely directed radiator, director and reflector elements, said radiator element being interposed between said director and reilector elements and spaced substantially closer to said director element than to said reflector element.

'7. A directional transmitting-receiving antenna comprising a rotatable support, a plurality of rod-like antenna members horizontally ymounted on said support, said members being arranged in pairs providing oppositely directed radiator, director and reilector elements, said radiator element being interposed between said ldirector and reector elements and spaced substantially closer to said director element than to said reector element, and an inductive coupling connected solely to said radiator elements.

8. A two-band directional transmitting-receiving antenna, comprising a support rotatable about a vertical axis, an antenna array including a plurality of rod-like antenna members mounted on said support, providing spacedradiator, director and reflector elements, the radiator element of the array being interposed between the director and reflector elements and positioned substantially closer to said director element than to said reector element, a second similar antenna array mounted on said support in the reverse order to the arrangement of the iirst array with the reflector element of the second array positioned adjacent to the director of the first array.

9. A two-band directional transmitting-receivin g antenna, comprising a support rotatable about a vertical axis, an antenna array including a plurality of rod-lkeantenna members mounted on said support, with the members horizontally spaced and providing radiator, director and reector elements, the radiator element being interposed between the director and reflector elements and positioned substantially closer to said director element than to said reflector in reverse order to the arrangement of the ilrst array and interposed wholly between the director and reector of the ilrst array with the refiector of the second array interposed between the director and radiator of the rst array, with the reflector element ofthe second array positioned adjacent to the director of the rst array.

l0. A two-band transmitting-receiving directional antenna, comprising a support rotatable about a vertical axis, an antenna array including a plurality of rod-like antenna members mounted on said support with the members horlzontaliy spaced and providing oppositely directed radiator, director and reector elements, the radiator element being interposed between the director and reflector elements and positioned substantially closer to said director element than to said reector element, a second similar antenna array mounted on said support in reverse order to the arrangement of the rst array with the reflector of the second array interposed between the director and radiator of the rst array.

11. In combination with a support, of means for rotating said support about a vertical axis in opposite directions to selected adjusted positions throughout substantially 360 degrees comprising a pair of oppositely rotating electric motors, means normally acting to prevent rotation of said support, and means for releasing said last named means upon actuation of either of said motors.

l2. A directional antenna system including a stationary support, a rotatable support carried by said stationary support, a directional antenna carried by said rotatable support, and means to rotate the antenna comprising a pair of oppositely rotating electric motor operating means mounted on the support and drivingly connected with the antenna supporting means, said rotating means including a brake operable to maintain the antenna rotatable support in a xed position, and means for releasing the brake When either of the motor operating means is energized for rotating the antenna in either direction.

13. A directional antenna system comprising a support, horizontally disposed rod-like antenna members mounted on said support for rotation about a vertical axis, means for selectively rotating said support in opposite directions, a dual electric motor drive for reversibly rotating said antenna, motor relays driving an indicator op erating in synchronism with said antenna rotating means, a plurality of switches controlling said reversible antenna rotating means and said motor relay driven indicator, and manually controlled means for simultaneously coupling said antenna rotating and indicator driven means with a source of electrical current.

14. A directional antenna system comprising a support, a. horizontally disposed rod-like antenna member mounted on said support for rotation about a vertical axis, means for selectively ro tating said support in opposite directions, a dual electric motor drive for rotating said antenna selectively in opposite directions, an indicator, a dual motor drive for rotating said indicator selectively in opposite directions, and means simultaneously connecting a selected motor of said antenna and indicator drives with a source of electric current for synchronously rotating said antenna. and indicator in the same direction.

15. In combination with a support, of a rotator for rotating said support around a vertical axis comprising a vertical shaft, a support-carrying frame on the upper end of said shaft, an openended-ring-like secondary carried by and rotatable with said frame, electrical connections between tlie ends of said secondary and said antenna, a stationary open-ended ring-like primary mounted below and spaced from said secondary, bus bars connected to the ends of said primary. lead conductors connected to said bus bars, and impedance matching condenser means adjustably mounted on said bus bars.

16. In combination with a support, of a rotator for rotating said support around a vertical axis comprising a vertical shaft, a support-carrying frame on the upper end of said shaft, an openended ring-like secondary carried by and rotatable with said frame, electrical connections between the ends of said secondary and said antenna, a stationary open-ended ring-like primary mounted below and spaced from said secondary, bus bars connected to the ends of said primary, lead conductors connected to said bus bars, and means for selectively rotating said shaft in opposite directions to selected positions throughout 360 degrees, and means for holding said shaft in its selected adjusted position.

MORRILL P. MIMS. 

